Minister to bring proposals to Government on Ukrainian refugees’ access to third level education

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris will bring proposals to Government on Tuesday to help Ukrainian refugees access third level education in Ireland.

Under the scheme, Ukrainian students will be treated as Irish students and will be able to access financial assistance through the Erasmus scheme.

The Minister will also outline proposals to accommodate Irish students who were studying in Ukraine.

Mr Harris made the announcement during a visit to the National Students and Researcher (NSR) Helpdesk on Monday, which was World Refugee Day.

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The helpdesk was set up in May to help displaced Ukrainian people access college and university in Ireland.

So far, it has received more than 900 queries, 709 via email, 175 via telephone and referrals from both the Irish Universities Association and Technological Higher Education Association.

The NSR Helpdesk is hosted by Maynooth University on behalf of the entire sector. It is run by seconded staff from universities and colleges across the country.

Dr Gemma Irvine, Maynooth University’s vice-president for equality and diversity, said the helpdesk can assist people with their English language competency requirements, the translation of documents and applications to colleges or universities.

“Applying for third level education in Ireland can be daunting for people who grew up here, let alone people who are potentially traumatised,” said Dr Irvine. “The helpdesk can assist people in gathering all the necessary documents.”

So far, the helpdesk has assisted a mix of people, according to Dr Irvine. “There are students whose third level education has been interrupted, they are discussing just taking some modules, with the hopes of finishing their degree back in Ukraine once the war is over.”

There are also some researchers, staff and lecturers contacting the helpdesk in the hope of continuing their research.

A number of Leaving Certificate level students who are currently in school in Ireland have also contacted the desk, and they are considering doing an undergraduate degree here, Dr Irvine said.

“The Minister’s proposal will hopefully make things clearer in relation to people taking on a portion of a course, and in relation to fees and maintenance grants,” she added.